Design Manager
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Overview
Job Description
About the role
The Datacenter Design Manager will lead the internal design coordination, management of engineering deliverables, and client-facing technical documentation for data center projects. This role is responsible for overseeing design changes, responding to Requests for Information (RFIs), managing drawing updates, and ensuring alignment between client requirements, engineering teams, and construction execution. Strong experience in data center or mission-critical facility design, along with proven leadership in coordinating multidisciplinary teams, is essential.
Responsibilities
Manage the full lifecycle of architectural and engineering drawings, specifications, and design deliverables for data center projects
Review, track, and respond to client RFIs, design change requests, and requests for proposals or clarifications in a timely and accurate manner
Coordinate design updates, revisions, and redlines across mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP), structural, and architectural disciplines
Lead internal design review meetings and facilitate resolution of design conflicts or discrepancies.
Collaborate closely with external architecture/engineering firms, clients, and construction teams to ensure requirements are clearly communicated and met
Maintain version control of drawings and documentation; ensure compliance with client standards, building codes, and industry best practices
Identify potential design risks, propose mitigation strategies, and escalate issues as needed to project leadership
Develop and maintain design schedules, track progress, and report on deliverables to stakeholders
Mentor and manage a team of design coordinators, drafters, or junior engineers as the function grows
Be directly responsible for engineering costs and value engineering exercises for overall cost of the program
Skills & Experience
Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, or Civil), or related field; Master's degree or Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred
0+ years in architectural/engineering design management, with at least 5 years in data centers, mission-critical facilities, or large-scale hyperscale projects
Proficiency in design and documentation tools (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, BIM 360, Bluebeam Revu)
Deep knowledge of data center systems (MEP infrastructure, power distribution, cooling systems, structural requirements)
Familiarity with design standards (Uptime Institute, ASHRAE, IBC) and permitting processes
Exceptional organizational and project management abilities
Strong communication skills for client interactions, RFI responses, and cross-functional coordination
Proven leadership in managing teams and driving accountability in fast-paced environments
Experience across power / utility environments to accommodate different RAM Analysis and costs for battery / capacitor ramp
Occasional travel required for client meetings, site walks, design workshops, and project reviews
Process
Intro call w/Molly Anderson, Sr Manager TA & People Ops
Interview w/Lance Smith, VP of Datacenters
Interview w/Mike McBrayer, Construction Manager
Interview w/Bill Gauthier, Director of Critical Facilities
Interview w/Margarida Garcia, COO
Automate your job search with Sonara.
Submit 10x as many applications with less effort than one manual application.